New report shows the rate of premature births in the Greater Washington region

HEALTH/ CHILDREN & FAMILIES
– According to a new March of Dimes report, which analysed the rate of premature births in the US, Virginia’s rate of premature births has increased, Maryland has stayed the same and the District has the worst rate in the region. (WAMU, 11/2)

Spontaneous labor accounts for half of all babies born before 37 weeks — why that happens is a mystery. Genetics may contribute, while infections and environmental factors may also play a role.

“She might need smoking cessation, she might need help with housing,” said Gabriela Garcia of the March of Dimes in Maryland and D.C., talking about the risk factors for individual moms.

Garcia said while there are a lot of great targeted programs in our region, not enough look holistically at all of the resources — medical and otherwise — that a woman might need to make it to 40 weeks.

– On Consumer Health Foundation‘s blog, I wrote about the District’s response to the maternal healthcare crisis that is impacting low-income black and brown pregnant women. (CHF Blog, 11/7)